ST. CROIX COUNTY, Wis. — Election Day in Wisconsin brought many issues to voters. In St. Croix County, one issue has been talk of the town – both by county leaders and residents.
"Wide range of what's needed, because there's a wide range of people moving to this county," Eric Fredrickson, Shop Manager at Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals in Hudson, said. "There's just more issues and more people and more things that just need help with, and that's, you know, something that's needed."
54% of voters approved a public safety referendum adding eight jobs focused on safety and law enforcement. Those eight jobs are:
- 2 Mental Health Co-Responders
- 2 Correction Deputies
- 1 Sheriff's Office Investigator
- 1 District Attorney Investigator
- 1 Youth Justice Early Intervention Specialist
- 1 Deputy Clerk of Court
County officials say this is needed as the county continues to grow – St. Croix County has roughly 100,000 people right now.
"It's just all directly related to population and growth," County Administrator Ken Witt said. "We have a few months now, to put everything in order, but it'll start with the 2025 budget."
This is not the first time the county has asked for more resources. Last year, voters denied a referendum that asked for 24 positions and millions of more dollars.
This newly approved referendum asked for eight positions, and an increase in the tax levy, which would provide nearly $860,000 per fiscal year.
Sheriff Scott Knudson points to the need for these jobs – including the mental health co-responders – as why this was necessary.
"Really help us to respond to the growing need from the community, because it is becoming more complex," Knudson said.
Data provided by Bob Rohret, the county's health and human services director, shows the counties current two mental health co-responders have responded to 300 behavioral health calls since 2022.
Rohret says more than half of those calls ended with community-based plans.
Knudson says much like the County, there is always room to grow.
"I think if we incrementally keep going and keep adding," he said. "That's gonna benefit us all in the end."
To learn more about the newly passed referendum, click here.
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